Midwest Living Review

Amy Lynch

A winding 20-minute drive south of Nashville will land you at the quaint Story Inn for a peaceful respite and destination dining.

If you're looking for a place to really get away from it all, this is it. Story Inn boasts "one inconvenient location since 1851"; getting here down 10 miles of winding country road can be tricky. On the upside, the rural setting is terribly scenic, straddling Brown County State Park and Hoosier National Forest. Story Inn is the oldest country inn in Indiana, and pretty much all that's left of the village of Story, a mid-1800s logging town. Remnants that survive are all part of the inn now and include the old general store, mill and various outbuildings available to rent as rooms and cottages, each with its own theme and history. Some modern comforts are available at Story Inn (private baths and central air), but you won't find televisions, Wi-Fi, landline phones or alarm clocks, and getting a cell phone signal is next to impossible. The Story Inn restaurant is the only option for miles. Fortunately, it's a good one, with leisurely, locally sourced, fine-dining-caliber meals served in a rustic setting. A short list of dinner entrees, including steak, chicken and seafood, run $20$35. Our roasted chicken and veggie risotto both were outstanding, and enough food for four. The chocolate pot de creme was deliciously thick and rich. Story Inn makes a great romantic getaway or peaceful adult vacation, but is probably a little too quiet for families with young kids. Prices vary by room; our Durango digs in the new Garrison cabin cost $129 a night plus tax, off-peak.